Road safety alert

The Road Safety Authority is advising drivers and motorcycle riders to take extra care using the roads, as the dry weather spell breaks and heavy rain is expected across the country over the coming days.

During a prolonged dry spell a build-up of oil and rubber deposit develops on the road. When the weather breaks, this deposit mixes with rainwater and the road becomes hazardous. The resulting greasy road surface increases stopping distances and the risk of a skid. Drivers and motorcycle riders can get caught out by this change in road conditions so the advice is to slow down and increase braking distance.
Met Eireann are also warning that accumulations of rain water may lead to excess surface water on roads and some spot-flooding in places.